Louisa Watson, ESG director of beam, and marketing director and sustainability lead at Wyboston Lakes Resort shares some insights on ESG coming out of the association’s recent Summit
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives are becoming increasingly important in the events and hospitality industry. Reflecting on industry association beam’s ESG Summit held in May, it’s essential to share the key takeaways and insights. Here at Wyboston Lakes Resort, we have been on our own ESG journey, and we’re happy to share our experiences.
Starting your ESG journey
Starting on an ESG journey can feel overwhelming, but the key is to start small and build momentum. We began by focusing on reducing waste and eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible across the entire resort. These simple actions laid a solid foundation for our broader sustainability strategy, showcasing our commitment to making tangible environmental improvements right from the start. In the hospitality industry, which accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, such steps are crucial in mitigating environmental impact.
Engagement and culture
Integrating ESG into an organisation goes beyond policy changes; it involves creating a culture of conscience. Here, we’ve achieved success by engaging our team in sustainability initiatives. From supporting mental health to encouraging eco-friendly practices, fostering a culture where sustainability is a shared goal ensuring everyone feels involved and committed.
Given that the hospitality industry employs over 300 million people worldwide, addressing mental health and wellbeing is essential. Running events can be stressful, with tight deadlines and high expectations, making it vital to prioritise our team’s mental health and wellbeing.
Pitfalls and realities
While the benefits of ESG initiatives are clear, there are also challenges to be aware of. The plethora of accreditations can be confusing. It’s crucial to choose certifications that align with your values and operational realities. My overwhelming advice, though, is to choose one accreditation and go for it. It’s a great place to start and puts you on the ladder to keep improving. Learning from other businesses’ experiences, as shared during the beam ESG Summit, can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Looking ahead
As we continue our ESG journey, we are committed to continuous improvement. Our investments in renewable energy and biodiversity are part of our strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2027 in Scopes 1 & 2. Transparent reporting and stakeholder engagement are essential to maintaining accountability and driving progress. Additionally, the hospitality industry has a responsibility to deliver social value, supporting local communities and contributing to broader societal goals.
The beam ESG Summit provided a platform for sharing best practices and learning from industry leaders.
Together, we can make a significant impact on our industry and the world. Reflecting on the summit’s discussions, it’s clear that collaboration and shared learning are key to advancing all of our ESG objectives.
www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/conferences-training-events/sustainability.aspx
